Dan Williams, from the Met office, said: “On Wednesday we expect to see mainly dry and bright weather through the day with a chance of some light snow showers but generally quite a clear and crisp day. Temperatures will drop overnight down to as low as -5 or -6 degrees celsius in some parts.

“It is pretty much a similar story for Thursday and Friday but a cold wind will develop ahead of the weekend.”

Both Durham and Northumbria Police forces have warned drivers to take extra care as snow and ice may blight the region’s roads as temperatures fight to stay above freezing.

It’s anticipated there may be difficult driving conditions, particularly on untreated minor roads.

Yesterday, around 10cm of snow fell in some parts of the region. Two schools in Northumberland were forced to close. There was also disruption at Newcastle Airport with a few cancellations, which a spokeswoman says was due to a knock-on effect of bad weather in Scotland and Amsterdam.

Passengers are advised to keep an eye on the airport’s arrivals and departures website for flight information and anyone with concerns should contact the airline directly.

Children in some areas enjoyed the snow families in Durham, accused police of “sucking the fun from everything” when they warned children they could be arrested for throwing snowballs.

Durham Constabulary issued advice reminding youngsters they run the risk of anti-social behaviour if they engage in snow games. The message from Crook Neighbourhood Police Team resulted in a mixed response.

Facebook user John Young commented: “What a joke.” Paul Emmerton accused officers of “sucking the fun from everything”.

A Durham Police spokeswoman, said:

“Our general advice is, it might seem like innocent fun but it could have serious consequences. No arrests have been made.”

Page 2 - Eastern areas bear brunt, but widespread misery expected >>

Eastern areas bear brunt, but widespread misery expected

SNOW could fall on most of the UK by the weekend as the cold snap continues to bring freezing temperatures to most of the country.

Eastern areas bore the brunt of the snowfall yesterday, with 42 schools closing in Norfolk, all planes grounded at Norwich International Airport and a six-vehicle pile-up on the A11 leaving three people with injuries.

The lowest temperature recorded overnight was -5.7C (22F) at Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands, the Met Office said.

Most of the country was dealing with temperatures of around 0C to 1C (32F to 34F) and the cold snap is set to continue, according to John Lee, forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

Many areas will dry out by today [WED] but there is a chance that snow could return to most of Britain on Friday, with some potentially heavy falls in central and eastern areas. Mr Lee said: "There are signs that it will turn more unsettled into Thursday and Friday with increased wind and Atlantic weather systems pushing in.

"If that happens, we could see some fairly heavy snowfalls and the majority of the UK will get some snow. Eastern areas are slightly more prone with the cold weather.

"There is the possibility of some good snowfall in central and eastern areas."

The AA reported 7,700 breakdowns by lunchtime yesterday, around 1,000 an hour, with East Anglia and Essex busiest. Darron Burness of the AA said motorists should take measures to stop cars getting flat batteries.

SNOWBALL WARNING

POLICE have taken to Facebook to warn youngsters they could be arrested for throwing snowballs at cars, homes or people who do not want to be involved in games.

The message from Crook Neighbourhood Police Team in County Durham brought a mixed response with some people accusing them of spoiling the fun.

The message posted yesterday said: "Crook Beat Team are aware that it has been snowing and that people are going to have fun in it. However, if anyone is caught throwing snowballs at vehicles or on to the road, they could be arrested.

"Likewise, if anyone throws snowballs at people’s homes or at people who do not want to be involved in the snow games, they could be arrested and it will be classed as anti-social behaviour."

Facebook user John Young commented: "What a joke."

But Julie Nicholson replied: "It’s not a joke when the little darlings r putting stones in the snowballs b4 throwin them!!!!!!"

Paul Emmerton accused officers of "sucking the fun from everything".

Liam Graham said it was dangerous but "kids will be kids".

A Durham Police spokeswoman said the force did not want to spoil fun or ban snowballs, but was issuing advice.

"Our general advice is, it might seem like innocent fun but it could have serious consequences," she said.